Keep calm and prioritize mental health

Earning a college degree can be one of the most challenging and emotionally draining things a person can accomplish. On a campus of roughly 40,000 students, it’s easy to feel pretty small. When working through a full load of courses, it’s also easy to feel overwhelmed. With both of these factors together, it’s almost too easy to feel alone. After crossing the graduation stage and shaking hands with the faculty, you might soon forget about every all-nighter spent in Strozier and every ounce of anxiety before an exam… But what about the moments in between?

Yes, college is one of the most difficult periods that anyone will experience, but at Florida State, you’ll never have to do it alone. As many of Florida State’s orientation leaders like to say, “Florida State didn’t tell me how great they were, they told me how great I could be.” To be great in any sense of the word, you need to have a great mind and what kind of mind can stay great when riddled with stress and unhealthy habits? That’s where Florida State comes in.

Florida State offers students a variety of organizations and services to help them cope with the everyday stresses and trials of a college career. Some students go through their entire career at Florida State without uncovering the numerous, sometimes elusive, resources at their fingertips – but not anymore!

University Counseling Center

Unfortunately, therapy seems to have a negative stigma in our society, as if there is something horribly wrong if you meet with a therapist regularly. Even if you don’t have a diagnosed mental illness, therapy is a great way to maintain your mental health and address the issues you might be ignoring.

Located in the Student Life Center, the University Counseling Center, or UCC, offers group, couples, and individual counseling. Students can sign up to see a counselor regularly, but emergency walk-in appointments can be arranged as well. Their website offers a variety of online resources in the event that you need fast assistance. In the event that the UCC no longer suits you, the staff will assist you with finding a support system on or off campus to best fit your needs and your schedule.

RENEW

Created by a group of Florida State students in 2005, RENEW (or Realizing Everyone’s Need for Emotional Wellness) was created to advocate for mental health and educate others on how to maintain healthy behavior and relationships. Students can sign up to meet with RENEW students to address any issues they might be having, from stress problems to relationship issues, and reach a solution to their best interest. RENEW members offer students ways to improve their academic habits and work towards being a better student and learner overall. They also hold events on campus for students to blow off steam and focus on positive things, such as Stress-Buster Day (which often has puppies!), Nole Your Health and Love Your Body Day! Getting to know RENEW, its members and all the ways to improve your mental health, is one of the best ways to get the most out of your time at Florida State.

Campus Recreation Programs

Sometimes the best way to shake off stress and negative energy is to immerse oneself in nature. Fortunately, Florida State’s Campus Recreation program offers a ton of ways to do so. The Outdoor Pursuits program provides several trips every semester to satisfy your inner wanderlust. When you’re standing at the top of a mountain or getting up close and personal with a manatee, it’s easier to forget that early morning exam or that intimidating group project; you’re a part of something much greater now. Florida State also has its own 73-acre reservation, located right on the scenic Lake Bradford. At “The Rez”, students can brave the waters with kayaks and canoes, or they can simply enjoy the sun and take a dip in the water. The best part? Admission to The Rez is completely free for Florida State students.

For students who would rather remain indoors, Campus Recreation offers other options as well. Group activities, such as yoga or spinning, allow students to work out stress through something beneficial: physical fitness. Florida State also offers two fitness centers: Leach Recreation Center and the Fitness & Movement Clinic. Working up a sweat on the treadmill or reaching a whole new level of strength will burn off any negative vibes, and also a few calories.

When it comes to maintaining your mental and spiritual health, Florida State has infinite options, but don’t take our word for it. Go out and find them for yourself!